Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for both issues prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was rated as 10 percent disabling from November 28, 2012. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable rating prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for left bicipital tendonitis and eczema, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not incurred in service.

The Veteran's skin disorder, specifically tinea unguium of the hands and feet, was rated at 10 percent from October 1, 2002, to April 6, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to the failure to timely file an appeal on some of the new issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, to include dyshidrotic eczema and atopic eczema, were denied. The appeal was reopened on new evidence, but the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship established between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for skin disability, including skin infections, folliculitis, eczema, bullous disorder, and acne, in addition to the already service-connected furunculosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder other than paranoid schizophrenia. The Veteran's pulmonary disorder was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The Veteran's skin disorder to include dermatitis was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service.

The Veteran's skin condition (tinea flava) does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not involve more than 40 percent of his entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids.

The Veteran's psoriasis was rated at a 30 percent disability rating prior to April 1, 2013. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on the consistent findings of affected skin areas and no systemic therapy required.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for tinea pedis with onychomycosis from 30 to 10 percent, effective December 1, 2012 was proper and in accordance with facts found and governing law.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from December 2006 to present and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) due to the Veteran's in-service shaving requirements. The right knee and left foot conditions are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae from April 29, 2013 to April 17, 2015. Prior to this date and as of April 18, 2015, the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran does not currently have chloracne, acne vulgaris, seborrheic keratosis, or hyper-pigmented papules and comedones claimed as the result of herbicide agent exposure. The Board denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right eye blindness and diminished left eye visual acuity are not deemed to be the result of VA care, but rather due to complications from anesthesia during surgery.,The Veteran's skin conditions including psoriasis and rashes (also claimed as allergies) were not found to have resulted from VA treatment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for right knee chondromalacia, left knee chondromalacia, and allergic dermatitis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and eczema was denied. The earlier effective date for service connection of chronic lymphocytic leukemia prior to May 20, 2014, and the special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, major depression, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bladder dysfunction, right shoulder arthritis, allergic rhinitis, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and pseudofolliculitis barbae, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent, as they affect less than 40% of exposed skin area or total body surface. The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis has affected less than five percent of the entire body and only required topical medications.